Everton sack manager Rafa Benítez

Everton have sacked manager Rafa Benitez after six months in charge.

Benitez’s Everton have won just one of their last 11 matches and suffered a 2-1 defeat to then-bottom of the table Norwich City on Saturday, increasing the pressure on the former Liverpool and Newcastle United manager.

Multiple banners calling for Benitez to lose his job were seen in the away end at Carrow Road.

The 61-year-old signed a three-year contract when he took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, an unpopular appointment with many Everton fans due to his past links to their Merseyside rivals.

Everton’s poor form after a bright start to the season has seen them slip to 15th in the Premier League table, six points above the relegation zone.

A club statement read: “Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as first team manager.

“Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect.

“An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course.”

Speaking after the Norwich defeat, Benitez said: “We conceded two goals through our own mistakes and that makes it a mountain to climb for us. We have to stay professional, concentrate on the next training session and match.

“I am a professional. I have enough experience and I came here to fix issues that, maybe, are coming from five years ago.

“I have to make sure I analyse these kinds of mistakes we are making and avoid that for the future. Other things are not in my hands. I have to do my job.”

Everton begin yet another new manager search, their sixth in just over five years, with assistant coach Duncan Ferguson expected to take charge while they survey their options.